DNA
Science: Covid risk tool, oldest DNA found, wearable UV patch
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about a handy online tool to help you see how likely it is someone infection will be at your gathering. The world's oldest DNA being found… Audio
UK moves to allow gene-edited crops for first time
The UK government is working to change the law on gene-edited food, allowing it to be sold in the country for the first time. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, being introduced to… Audio
DNA to solve history mysteries!
This coming week the Auckland Libraries and the Genealogical Computing Group are running a Family History Expo, to be shortly followed by the Christchurch City Libraries later this month. Mia… Audio
New gene therapy could block bad cholesterol
Here in New Zealand, the first person in the world was injected with new gene editing material designed to modify the DNA which produces bad cholesterol. Dr Ralph Stuart, speaks to Jesse about the… Audio
How genome-mapping all NZ children could help combat disease
How could DNA improve our health? Prof. Justin O'Connor advocates sequencing the genomes of all the 60,000 children born in NZ each year. A highlight of Auckland University's Raising the Bar series. Audio
Study shows dog behaviour has little to do with breed
There is no end to the different stereotypes when it comes to dog breeds and perceived behaviour traits. However, recent research suggests traits may have less to do with breeds than previously… Audio
Single test identifies 50 genetic diseases
A DNA test has been developed to screen patients for a range of neurological and neuromuscular genetic diseases quicker and more accurately than existing tests. The technology is able to identify over… Audio
How biometrics can be a force for good and ill
Leading forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black steadfastly refuses to use her fingerprints to open things like her phone, but she is supportive of a future where biometrics can unlock… Audio
How biometrics can be a force for good and ill
Leading forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black steadfastly refuses to use her fingerprints to open things like her phone, but she is supportive of a future where biometrics can unlock… Audio
Technology: Is Google search dying, and careful with your DNA
Technology commentator Mark Pesce joins Kathryn to talk about whether Google search has optimised itself to deliver ads, rather than worthwhile search results. What happens if Google continues to… Audio
New study offers clues to why dogs tilt their heads
A new study of canines showed that dogs often tilt their heads before correctly receiving a specific toy. Which suggests the behaviour might be a sign of concentration and recall. Dr. Andrea… Audio
Why some people need less sleep than others
Ever wondered how some people are able to function optimally on just a few hours' sleep, while others still find themselves feeling a lot less than ideal after a solid eight hour shift? Those lucky… Audio
Dr Matt Baker: elephant trunks and DNA data storage
Sydney-based New Zealander Dr Matt Baker joins the show for a chat about some of the latest science news. This week he looks at elephant trunks, and the work of the Mars rover Perseverance. Audio
The next major pandemic will hit by 2080 at the latest
A global pandemic comparable to the Covid-19 crisis we are currently enduring is likely to strike by 2080 -- but probably far sooner, according to newly published analysis. The study (Intensity and… Audio
A new way to make vaccines
This week, how information flows in the cell from DNA to proteins, and how scientists have tapped into this to enable a new way to make vaccines using messenger RNA. Audio
New studies into long Covid, 10-year warnings for stroke
Science commentator Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to look at the new studies into long Covid, including one that found patients could take up to a month to return to normal sleep and exercise patterns… Audio
Science with Siouxsie Wiles
This week, Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles tells us about a new study that could point the way to making face masks that can detect the COVID-19 virus and explains how to spot disinformation… Audio
A Glitch in the Matrix: Are we living in a digital simulation?
Director Rodney Ascher's debut 'Room 237' offered up some wild theories about interpretations of Stanley Kubrick's visionary masterpiece 'The Shining.' His latest documentary, 'A Glitch in the… Audio
Rachel Huckfeldt: DNA editing to help fix blindness
A historic trial is underway in the United States to help restore vision to blind patients by editing their DNA while it is in their bodies. CRISPR gene-editing technology has been revolutionising… Audio
New book sheds light on Earth's other humans
If you're going to read one book on human origins, Oxford professor and former Dunedinite Tom Higham's new book, The World Before Us: How Science is Revealing a New Story of Our Human Origins should… Audio